Can we just take a second to acknowledge that… we’re somehow in September already? 😳

If 2025 has flown by faster than your summer holidays, you’re not alone.

But instead of panicking about year-end deadlines, this is your friendly nudge to pause, reset, and make the last four months of the year count.

Here are 6 things you can do right now to get your business (and your numbers) back on track — without the overwhelm 👇

✅ 1. Check your Corporation Tax deadline

If your company year-end was 31st December, Corporation Tax is due on 1st October.

It’s one of those sneaky deadlines that shows up just when you’ve got a million other things on your plate. Leaving it to the last minute = stress you don’t need.

💡 ChadStone Tip:

• Check when your Corporation Tax bill is due (dates vary depending on year-end).
• Put aside around 20% of your profits each month so the money’s ready when the bill lands. No scrambling, no “where do we find it?”, no drama.

Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you for making it a habit.

📊 2. Review your management accounts

Think of management accounts as your business dashboard. Without them, you’re basically driving blind.

They’ll show you:

– What’s actually working (and what isn’t)

– Where the money is going

– Whether you can afford that hire / investment / upgrade you’ve been putting off

💡 ChadStone Tip:

If you don’t have regular management accounts yet, now’s the perfect time to start. You’ll thank yourself in December.

👥 3. Get payroll & compliance sorted

Payroll isn’t glamorous — but when it goes wrong, everyone notices.

Ask yourself:

– Are our systems fully compliant with the latest rules?

– Are we paying people accurately and on time?

– Can this process scale as our team grows?

💡 ChadStone Tip:

If the answer to any of these makes you wince, now’s the time to fix it.

💸 4. Stop the quiet leaks

Some drains on your business aren’t loud — they just quietly cost you thousands. Think:

– Subscriptions you’ve forgotten about

– Clients that drain your time but don’t pay their way

– Prices that haven’t been reviewed in years

💡 ChadStone Tip:

Take half an hour to list out your tools, costs, and clients. Cut the stuff that isn’t serving you.

🧠 5. Revisit your goals (and your energy)

Those January goals? Do they still fit? Or are they stressing you out more than motivating you?

September is a great time to:

– Reset your goals for Q4

– Be honest about what’s dragging you down

– Check in on your own energy (are you resting as well as working?)

💡 ChadStone Tip:

Business ownership doesn’t come with medals for burnout.

🤝 6. Reconnect with your network

Most opportunities don’t come from algorithms. They come from conversations.

So whether it’s your accountant (👋), a business buddy, or someone you promised to follow up with six months ago… now’s the time to reach out.

💡 ChadStone Tip:

A simple “How’s your year going?” can open more doors than you’d think.

Final Thought

If you take one thing away, let it be this:

– It’s not too late to reset.

– September is a natural “fresh start”.

– Small steps now can save you big headaches in December.

And if you’d like some extra support with management accounts, tax planning, or just making sure your payroll doesn’t give you nightmares — we’re right here, biscuits and all.

Al, Dave & the ChadStone Team

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU…👇

• Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
• Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

Ah, summer.

Sunshine. Ice cream. Out-of-office replies.

And for many business owners… complete and utter mayhem.

Whether you’re wrangling childcare, managing staff holidays, or just trying to stay productive in a melting office, the summer holidays can hit hard. 

Add in patchy client comms, seasonal slowdowns (or upticks!), and that one colleague who’s “just popping to the Algarve for three weeks,” and it’s easy to feel like you’re losing control.

So, here’s our very practical survival guide to financially and operationally prepping your business for the school holiday season—without breaking a sweat.

1. Forecast Your Cashflow (Yes, Even If It’s Boring)

Look—we know this doesn’t sound thrilling. But summer can mess with your incoming cash.

✅ Clients away = delayed payments
✅ Team on leave = delayed projects
✅ You on holiday = someone forgets a deadline

Do yourself a favour and get a clear view of your upcoming incomings and outgoings now. 

If you spot a dip ahead, you can plan around it—rather than panic when it hits.

Bonus tip: If you use cloud accounting software, now’s a great time to set up cashflow alerts.

2. Automate What You Can (So You Can Actually Switch Off)

Whether you’re off for a full break or just juggling school runs, automation is your friend.

Think:

📧 Invoice reminders
📱 Social media scheduling
📦 E-commerce order processing
🗂️ Auto-responses that tell clients when you’ll reply (and help them help themselves)

Trust us, future you will thank you.

3. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them Without Guilt)

If your summer working hours are different—tell people.

Set an out-of-office.
Update your email footer.
Put a line on your website.
Send clients a heads-up now.

It’s not unprofessional. It’s smart.

No one expects you to be superhuman—just clear.

4. Review Retainers, Direct Debits & Subscriptions

Summer is a brilliant time to do a bit of housekeeping.

That online tool you used once in March?
That subscription that renews quietly every month?
That software you’re paying for but your team abandoned six weeks ago?

Cancel it. 

Or at least question whether it’s earning its keep. Small leaks in summer can turn into big gaps come autumn.

5. Embrace the Quiet (If You Can Find It)

Business a little slower this month? Rather than stress, use it strategically:

🧠 Review your pricing
📊 Catch up on your accounts
💬 Ask your clients for testimonials
🗺️ Plan Q4 now, when you’re not in crisis mode

Slow doesn’t mean lazy—it means opportunity.

6. Support Your Team (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’ve got team members off over the holidays, you don’t need to pick up everything yourself.

Instead:

👯 Cross-train where possible
📝 Share clear instructions for temp cover
📅 Accept that some tasks might pause—and communicate that

And if you’re the one off? Leave a handover. Otherwise, you’re basically paying to stress-scroll Slack from a sun lounger.

7. Don’t Panic About the Chaos (You’re Not Alone)

Every business owner is facing some level of summer mayhem.

You are not behind. You are not failing.

You’re just a human trying to do your best while 65% of your clients are in Cornwall and your inbox is quietly turning into a monster.

You’ve got this.

(And we’ve got your back.)

Final Thought: Prep Now = Less Panic Later

If you take one thing away, let it be this:

Summer doesn’t have to derail your business.

With a little prep, some smart boundaries, and a few ice lollies in the freezer—you can come out the other side calmer, clearer, and ready for the final push to Christmas.

If you need help getting your finances summer-proof, we’re here.

(Unless we’re in a dragon boat. But even then, we’ll try to email back within 48 hours.)

Need help keeping things afloat this summer?

📩 Get in touch with us
🛶 Or sponsor our upcoming chaos: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chadstone

And if you’re unsure what we’re on about with dragons and boats…

We’re officially in training for the Severn Hospice Dragon Boat Festival on the 20th of July… and we need your help 😅

This brilliant festival is raising money for Severn Hospice, a cause that means a lot to all of us.

Their support helps families across Shropshire during the toughest times—and we’d love to give something back 🙌

🎯 Our goal: £1,000


🛶 Our strategy: Paddle like mad and don’t capsize


🐬 Our odds: Hopefully better than they are at photoshopping

If you can spare a few quid, we’d massively appreciate it 👇


https://www.justgiving.com/page/chadstone

Al, Dave and the ChadStone team

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU…👇

• Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
• Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

Running a business means juggling a lot: clients, marketing, operations, team, goals, the list goes on. 

So, it’s no wonder that financial management sometimes ends up in the ‘deal with later’ pile. 

But here’s the truth: if your numbers aren’t working, your business isn’t either.

We see it all the time (and we’ve even made a few of these mistakes ourselves over the years). 

So, here are 10 of the most common money slip-ups we see business owners make—and how you can avoid them.

1. Treating your accountant like an afterthought 😭

We get it. Accountants can be seen as the people you only need once a year, in a blind panic, before the tax deadline.

But the best results happen when your accountant is involved throughout the year, not just at the end of it.

What to do instead:

• Have regular check-ins (even quarterly!) to review performance.
• Ask questions when things feel confusing.
• Don’t wait until you’re stressed or behind—involve us before it becomes a thing.

Better yet? Management accounts. These give you a clearer, more proactive view of your business performance across the year—not just when your year-end hits.

They’re ideal if you’re an established business wanting to grow, manage cash flow, or get more control over your numbers.

They help you:

• Compare quarter-on-quarter progress
• Spot where you’re overspending
• Make better decisions (before it’s too late to change anything)

If you’ve never had them before, we’d be happy to show you what they look like and how they could help.

Your accountant should be a strategic part of your business. Use them well, and they’ll save you time, money and headaches.

2. Confusing profit with cash 💷

You can have a profitable business and still run out of money. Yup, it hurts to type it. But it’s true.

Profit is what’s left after expenses. Cash is what’s in the bank. And just because your accounts say you made money doesn’t mean you’ve actually got it to spend.

What to do instead:

• Understand your cash flow and review it monthly.
• Set aside money for tax the second an invoice is paid.
• Don’t rely on what’s “left in the account” as a spending guide.

We always like to say cash is king (or queen!) here as it’s so true!

3. Not knowing your numbers 🔢

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many business owners couldn’t tell you their monthly income, outgoings or margins.

That’s not a judgement—it’s a sign that the systems (or time!) just aren’t working.

What to do instead:

• Set 30 minutes a week to review your financial dashboard.
• Know your break-even point.
• Review your pricing every 6–12 months.

You don’t need to be a finance expert. But you do need to know the basics to steer the ship.

4. Doing it all manually 😪

Still taking photos of receipts and filing them in a box labelled ‘sort later’? That’s soul-destroying for you and us.

These days, there are apps and automations that can do the heavy lifting for you.

What to do instead:

• Use accounting software with built-in receipt scanning.
• Get set up on a secure client portal (like ours!) to upload and track everything in one place.
• Automate recurring invoices, reminders, and reconciliations.

Manual admin wastes your time and increases the risk of error. The right systems pay for themselves.

5. Avoiding the big-picture planning 🖼️

It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day. But if you never zoom out, you’ll miss opportunities to grow, improve, or pivot before it’s too late.

What to do instead:

• Review your goals quarterly.
• Book time with your accountant to deep-dive into future planning.
• Ask: “If nothing changes, where will we be in 6 months?”

You don’t need a 100-page business plan. Just clarity on where you’re headed—and how your finances can support it.

6. Not building a buffer 💷

The businesses that bounce back fastest from setbacks? They’ve usually got a rainy-day pot to fall back on.

The fix: If you can, build a small emergency fund into your business account—ideally 1–3 months of core running costs. It’s not always easy (or possible!) but even £50 a month adds up.

7. Mixing business and personal finances 😬

We get it—it’s tempting to use one account for everything. But come tax time, it’s a headache you really don’t need.

The fix: Open a separate business account (if you haven’t already). It’ll make cash flow clearer, taxes easier, and help you see how your business is actually doing.

8. Forgetting about tax until the deadline 😱

Self Assessment in January. Corporation tax a few months later. VAT every quarter (if you’re registered). It’s a lot.

The fix: Get those returns done early. As soon as you have your info—send it in. You’ll know what you owe, have longer to save, and your accountant won’t cry into their coffee.

9. Not looking after yourself 🧠

Burnout is expensive. It slows everything down—and often leads to rushed decisions.

The fix: Look after the boss. That’s you. Whether it’s taking regular breaks, switching off properly at the weekend, or speaking to someone when things get tough—it’s not a luxury, it’s business maintenance.

10. BONUS TIP: Don’t forget about you 🙌

One of the most common gaps we see is business owners forgetting to pay themselves properly, plan for their future, or prioritise their wellbeing.

What to do instead:

• Factor your salary into your business costs.
• Speak to a financial adviser about pensions, insurance, and savings.
• Take time off when you need it—seriously.

Your business needs you well. Financially, mentally, and physically.

If you only take one thing away, let it be this 👇

Money mistakes are normal. But they’re also avoidable—especially if you’ve got the right support.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, that’s a sign it might be time to get some help. 

Whether it’s setting up better systems, understanding your cash flow, or finally putting a plan in place—we’re always here for a no-pressure chat.

Al, Dave & the ChadStone Team

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU…👇

• Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
• Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

Spring is officially here 🌱  

(Well, according to the calendar anyway—whether the UK weather agrees is another story.)  

With Q1 wrapping up, now’s the time to check in, reset, and get a game plan for Q2 before the summer chaos sneaks up on you.  

The good news? A few small tweaks now can make the next few months easier, more productive, and less stressful—so you’re not scrambling to hit targets at the last minute.  

Here’s how to spring clean your business, finances, and mindset to set yourself up for a solid Q2.  

1️⃣ Look Back Before You Look Forward  

Before jumping into new goals, take 10 minutes to reflect on Q1:  

✔️ What worked well? (More of that, please.)  

✔️ What flopped? (We all have one thing—ditch it.)  

✔️ What took up way too much time? (Automate or delegate it.)  

Sometimes, the best business move isn’t adding new things—it’s tweaking what’s already there.  

2️⃣ Get Your Finances in Order Before April Hits  

April marks the new tax year, so now is prime time to get your accounts sorted before things get messy.  

✔️ Finalise & submit any loose ends from Q1—invoices, receipts, expenses, the works. 

✔️ Maximise your tax allowances before 5th April—top up ISAs, review pension contributions, and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. If you take anything from this blog, please let this be it!

✔️ Check if your cash flow is strong enough for your Q2 goals—do you need to cut costs, adjust pricing, or chase overdue invoices?  

A little proactive planning now can save a lot of headaches later.  

Need help? That’s what we’re here for.  

3️⃣ Set ‘Spring-Friendly’ Goals (a.k.a. Ones You’ll Actually Stick To)  

Let’s be real—Q1 motivation fades fast, and by April, most people are winging it. So, instead of setting unrealistic ‘transform your business in 3 months’ goals, try this:  

📌 Break goals into smaller wins – instead of “Increase revenue by 20%,” try “Secure 3 new clients by June.”  

📌 Make them habit-based – instead of “Post more on LinkedIn,” try “Share one business insight per week.”  

📌 Use a deadline that isn’t June 30th – midway check-ins keep you on track without the last-minute rush.  

Not every goal needs to be huge—sometimes, small improvements done consistently are the ones that move the needle the most. If you want further evidence and motivation around this, we highly recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear.

4️⃣ Fix What’s Holding Your Business Back  

Every business has that one thing that slows things down (or annoys you every week).  

🚨 Tech issues? – is your software outdated? Are you still manually doing things that could be automated?  

🚨 Too many distractions? – how’s your workspace? Are you setting clear boundaries?  

🚨 Clients taking up too much time? – do you need to revisit pricing, scope, or boundaries?  

Your future self will thank you for fixing these pain points now instead of letting them drag into summer.  

5️⃣ Book in Some Face-to-Face Time  

One of the biggest frustrations we hear from business owners is feeling disconnected from their accountant, suppliers, or clients.  

Let’s change that.  

✔️ Book in a face-to-face check-in with us (or at least a Zoom). 

✔️ Reach out to your key clients or suppliers—a quick chat can go a long way.  

✔️ Get out and network—whether it’s events, local meetups, or just grabbing coffee with another business owner.  

You’ll be surprised how one good conversation can spark new ideas, collaborations, or even opportunities.  

6️⃣ Most Importantly: Don’t Forget to Enjoy It  

Business doesn’t have to be a never-ending grind.  

☀️ Take a proper lunch break.  

☀️ Go for a midday walk when the sun actually appears.  

☀️ Book some time off in Q2 so you don’t burn out.  

Your business runs better when you’re not running on empty.  

Need Some Help Getting Your Finances Q2-Ready?  

If you’re looking at your business goals and thinking “Where do I even start?”, we’ve got you.  

Drop us a message, book in a chat, or come and see us—we’ll help you figure out a plan that actually works for you.  

Here’s to a strong (and stress-free) Q2!  

Al, Dave & the ChadStone Team  

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU…👇

• Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
• Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.

Welcome to 2025! 🎉 

Hopefully, you’ve had a festive season filled with good food, plenty of laughs, and minimal thoughts about work.

January can feel like a bit of a whirlwind when you’re trying to get back into everything, whilst also trying to shake off the holiday fog.  

Here are our top tips for business owners to ease back into the new year, stay organised, and set yourself up for a successful 2025.  

1. Reflect Before You Restart 🤔

Before diving headfirst into your to-do list, take some time to reflect on 2024:  

– What went well for your business?  

– What didn’t go to plan?  

– Are there things you’ve been doing out of habit that might not be serving you anymore?  

A quick review can help you identify where to focus your energy and what to leave behind. It doesn’t have to be a formal process—a cup of coffee and a chat with your team can work wonders.  

2. Set Realistic Goals (and Write Them Down) ✍️

Everyone loves a grand resolution, but let’s be honest, overambitious goals can lead to burnout by February. Instead, set a few realistic and measurable goals for your business.  

– Break them into quarterly targets so they feel manageable.

– Write them down and share them with your team to create accountability.  

For example, “Increase social media engagement by 15% by Q2” is a lot more achievable (and useful) than “Be better at marketing.”  

3. Tackle Your Finances First 💷

January is peak fragile accountant season 🥲, so make life easier for yourself (and your accountant):  

– Get your records organised for your self-assessment (deadline: 31st Jan—don’t say we didn’t warn you).  

– Review your cash flow and identify any gaps—January is a notorious pinch point for many businesses.  

– Consider setting up a budget for 2025. Even if it’s basic, it can help you keep things on track.  

If you’re already behind, don’t panic – just start now. And if you need help, we’re here (with coffee).  

4. Prioritise Your Wellbeing 🙌

The “new year, new me” energy is great… until you hit mid-January and realise you’ve taken on too much. Running a business can be all-consuming, so it’s important to look after yourself too:  

– Set boundaries—switch off after work (no, emails at 11 pm are not “productive”).  

– Delegate tasks where you can—yes, even if you think you can do them faster.  

– Take breaks, even if it’s just a quick walk or a decent lunch away from your desk.  

A well-rested business owner is a productive business owner.  

5. Reconnect With Your Network 🤝

The start of the year is a great time to check in with your clients, suppliers, and connections. 

It’s also an opportunity to:  

– Thank clients for their support in 2024.  

– Follow up with leads you didn’t have time for before Christmas.  

– Reach out to that local business you’ve been meaning to collaborate with.  

Business is built on relationships, and January is the perfect time to nurture them.  

6. Make 2025 Work For You👌

This year doesn’t have to look like last year. If there’s something about your business that isn’t working—whether it’s your processes, workload, or even the direction you’re heading—now’s the time to reassess.  

Ask yourself:  

– What would make running your business feel more enjoyable?  

– Are there tools, systems, or even people who could help take some of the load off?  

– What’s one small change you could make today to create a big impact later?  

And remember, we’re always here to help. Whether it’s sorting out your finances or just having a chat about your goals, we’re only a message away.  

*Side note* We also totally appreciate starting the year can feel overwhelming. Please don’t feel the need to make a million changes or start lots of new hobbies. Being a business owner, and doing it well, is overwhelming enough. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself this January and we’re here if you need us. 

From all of us at ChadStone, here’s to a year of growth, success, and most importantly your happiness, in 2025!

Dave, Al & the ChadStone team


IN THE MEANTIME, HERE’S SOMETHING FOR YOU…👇

• Get the latest finance tips, business hacks, free resources, hilarity, memes and more by joining our monthly newsletter, ‘Sumthing To Say’ here.
• Do you need your accounts taken care of for you? You can Book a Discovery Call here.